On the Topic of the Edison Bulb Ban

It’s baffling that the light bulb provision in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (“EISA”) has become such a hot-button topic. This week, members of the House are expected to debate and perhaps vote on repealing the provision, which is technically a technology-neutral law. It doesn’t mandate CFLs over incandescent lights, as suggested by some; it merely requires that certain lights be roughly 25% more efficient with about the same brightness and rated life. In other words, pursuant to EISA, the 100-watt bulb will use 72 watts or less (by Jan. 1, 2012), the 75-watt bulb will use 53 watts or less (By Jan. 1, 2013), the 60-watt bulb will use 43 watts or less (by Jan. 1, 2014), and the 40-watt bulb will use 29 watts or less (by Jan. 1, 2014). This is a performance standard — not a ban — that will result in a shift towards CFL and LED lighting, among other technol...